1970 vs 1972
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
1970 vs 1972
Hey Guys, new here but been a collector for years. I’d like to add a C3 to the collection. Currently looking at a 70 with a 350 and a 72 with a 454 ( oth 4 speeds) Both are numbers matching, excellent condition convertibles.
Questions...
1 How much more valuable is the 454 and what’s a reasonable entry point for each of these cars, again assuming excellent condition...
thanks
Questions...
1 How much more valuable is the 454 and what’s a reasonable entry point for each of these cars, again assuming excellent condition...
thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
There were 3 different 350ci engines available in 1970, which one are we talking about?
FWIW Corvette DNA lists the following:
Corvette DNA 4-Speed convertible
$33,000 base engine 1970
$30,500 454 1972
If the 1970 is a L46 bump the price $5000, if it's an LT-1 bump the price $15,000
Anyhoo... points to ponder, how's that for muddying the waters?
YMMV
FWIW Corvette DNA lists the following:
Corvette DNA 4-Speed convertible
$33,000 base engine 1970
$30,500 454 1972
If the 1970 is a L46 bump the price $5000, if it's an LT-1 bump the price $15,000
Anyhoo... points to ponder, how's that for muddying the waters?
YMMV
Last edited by Iceaxe; Dec 31, 2018 at 07:01 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
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From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
All 1970 had markedly higher compression compared to 72 ... old cars with higher compression demand higher octane ... "good" gas is not always so available in 2019 ... that consideration has some value also
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Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 515
Likes: 66
From: Grosse Pte. Mich.
As for the shear collectibility factor between the 2, I'll leave that for the experts.
As it appears that what we're talking about is a base '72 350, the '70 BB would certainly get the nod.
Best of luck.
Last edited by seacliffe301; Jan 1, 2019 at 09:55 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
For me and i speak only for me i wouldnt own a c3 that wasnt bb, convertible and other things you didnt include that some only i like,
My first corvette was a 72 convertible bb 4 speed ac car i have a 69 now but wish i had the 72, as my 69 isnt there yet,
People like sbs the LT1 was a great mouse but just like many when i hear a chromie isnt a bb my crest falls, and for my personal car i would never be content its an OCD thing,
It makes no difference to me if the bb has less power than the sb,
In my case i would rather have my project 69 convertible nom bb car than any driver sb...period.
Im a modder but even as investment goes a bb 72 is gonna trump any base sb chromie of same condition,
People have a thing for bb corvettes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
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From: CA.
not to hijack this thread but I just bought a 71BB, I use 93 octane, should I be putting any kind of fuel additives in?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 282
From: Bedford New York
Having owned a ‘70 bb, a ‘72 bb, and a ‘72 LT-1 convertible, I sold them all except the LT-1 vert. Personally felt most comfortable and I enjoy the LT-1 way more than either of the big blocks.
but we’re probably getting way off track here.
To the OP: is this a choice between a ‘70 454 and a ‘72 350 base motor? Both cars are bone stock and “correct”? If so, here are my best estimates for price for each;
the ‘70 big block: $50-$55k. (I just sold my ‘72 big block perfect car (Coupe) for $43k). So that’s my frame of reference.
’72 base motor vert: $30-35k.
but we’re probably getting way off track here.
To the OP: is this a choice between a ‘70 454 and a ‘72 350 base motor? Both cars are bone stock and “correct”? If so, here are my best estimates for price for each;
the ‘70 big block: $50-$55k. (I just sold my ‘72 big block perfect car (Coupe) for $43k). So that’s my frame of reference.
’72 base motor vert: $30-35k.
Last edited by Tonio; Jan 1, 2019 at 04:48 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: FL
Because the OP reversed himself in post #5.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 226
Likes: 108
From: Crescent Beach, FL
A '70 BB Convertible 4 speed is relatively rare and highly desirable compared to most other '70-'72 C3's due to low production numbers (strike) and the higher output (compression) engines. Options, originality, and condition can cause one "matching numbers" car to be worth twice as much as another. Best to study up on what's worth what to understand what your money is getting you.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
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From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Reversed years, 
From 68 to 72 a bb will always be more sought after and more valuble that a comparible sb, with the possible exception of the LT-1 being more less equal with a bb
So i guess if you are not OCD like i am about bb is a must and you dont feel like a sb is settling then you can save money and grab the sb car
From 68 to 72 a bb will always be more sought after and more valuble that a comparible sb, with the possible exception of the LT-1 being more less equal with a bb
So i guess if you are not OCD like i am about bb is a must and you dont feel like a sb is settling then you can save money and grab the sb car